Needlestick Injuries

Question 1

What is a Needlestick Injury?

Answer 1

1. Percutaneous exposures
2. HCW’s Skin is pierced by a Needle/Sharp object
3. Contaminated with Source Patient’s Blood/Other bodily fluids

Question 2

NSI Risks?

Answer 2

1. Injury from Needle itself
2. Transmission of Blood Borne Viruses

Examples:

• HBsAg (HepB Surface Ag)
• HCV RNA +
• HIV +
• Patient is in a High-Risk group

Question 3

Factors affecting transmission of Blood Borne Viruses

Answer 3

1. Depth
2. Type of Sharp (Scalpel/Hollow Needle)
3. Amount of Fluid
4. Infectious Patient?
5. Immunosuppressed Injured person?

Question 4

What is a Seroconversion?

Answer 4

Event occuring when HCW has a negative result for BBV
Then they have a positive result following sharps injury
This reported exposure is the most likely route of infection

Question 5

What is the estimated risk of getting HepB from a needle?

Answer 5

30%

Question 6

What is the estimated risk of getting HepC from a needle?

Answer 6

3%

Question 7

What is the estimated risk of getting HIV from a needle?

Answer 7

0.3%

Question 8

What causes NSI SPECIFICALLY?

Answer 8

1. Sudden Patient movement during injection
2. Recapping needles
3. Transferring body fluids between containers
4. Failing to dispose properly in Sharps

Question 9

What do I do if I have an NSI?

Answer 9

1. Encourage bleeding of wound under running water
2. Wash with soap and water
3. No scrubbing
4. No sucking
5. Dry wound and cover with waterproof plaster/dressing

Question 10

Who should I report?

Answer 10

1. Report to Doctor/Nurse in charge

2. YOU should complete an Incident Form

Question 11

How can you stop BBV?

Answer 11

1. Unless the patient is confirmed negative for 3 viruses, you NEED bloodtests
2. May need to start PEP medication for HIV within 72 hours (GOLD STANDARD is an hour)

Question 12

What virus is not effective against PEP or vaccination?

Answer 12

HepC

Question 13

Ultimately, how can we reduce the risk of NSI?

Answer 13

1. . Eliminate/Reduce usage of Needles/Sharps
2. Use devices with safety features
3. Use safe practices to minimise risk for hazards

Question 14

How do we prepare for NSI?

Answer 14

1. Keep sharps pointed away from user
2. Ask patient to remain still
3. Make sure you know where your sharps bin is

Question 15

What do we do during procedures involving sharp objects?

Answer 15

1. Place equipment tray in a safe place that is easily reachable
2. Unsheath the sharp when you are USING it
3. When passing it, place on a tray